Driving With Distractions - Why You Shouldn't Drive With Your Cell Phone
Folks who remember the days of 8 track tapes and when mini-skirts first arrived can tell you that drivers have always had to deal with distractions.
So why is it that with today's wireless communication devices and our multi-tasking patterns, we seem to have created a monster that threatens us even more than drunk driving?
The problem is that most driving is done at the other than conscious level. Once a driver has mastered the basic abilities required to manipulate the vehicle, he or she finds that it's easy for the mind to drift. To fill that void, instead of focusing on reading the traffic scene and anticipating and preparing for potential hazards, the driver changes the radio station or scans the iPod for a favorite tune, receives an email or text message and feels compelled to respond to it. Or the driver hears someone else in the car on the cell and wants to get in on what's going on with the conversation.
It's surprising how distracting hearing half a conversation is, but it's as though the mind cannot ignore it and tries to fill in the blanks.
From what I understand, it is not uncommon for a young person to be listening to some tunes, have a movie running on one screen, be participating on the internet in a chat room or on facebook, and doing their homework at the same time.
Is it any wonder that the new driver thinks that using a wireless communication is no big deal?
Unfortunately, the laws of physics have not changed. At just 40 miles per hour, you are traveling about 60 feet per second, at 60 miles per hour you are traveling about 90 feet per second.
As you are aware, it does not take too many seconds to get into trouble when you are behind the wheel of moving vehicle - and that trouble could be fatal.
"Do as I say, not as I do."
As a parent, you know the folly of that statement.
The best thing you can do is to turn off your cell, blackberry, etc. when you are driving in your vehicle - regardless of whether or not your teen is present. And why should you do that? You already know the answer - you need to set a good example.
I guess that seems like a lot for me to ask you to do, but how else do you expect us to get this under control? You wouldn't consider it responsible for you to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Nor would you drive with a fifth of scotch or bourbon in one hand while your teenager and her friends are in the back seat jabbering away on their way to the mall.
On the Lighter Side - Being a Grandparent
The other day my wife, Frances, and I had the grandkids over. We were swimming in the pool when Maggie informed us all that she was about to turn seven and, of course, she was having a birthday party. Naturally, she expected us to come (as we do every year) and celebrate her birthday. I mentioned to her that her birthday coincides with our anniversary and that I might have to take her grandmother out to dinner and miss her birthday party (I said this knowing all the time that Frances would always make Maggie's birthday party the priority event).
Upon hearing that we might not be there to shower her with gifts, Maggie, without hesitation, was quick to say "Well, you can send a card and the presents, can't you?!"
"What focus" - I thought. Although I'm sure she would appreciate our attendance at the event, the more important element for her (at least at her current age) is the receipt of her presents.
Focus is power.
Focus on what you need to do to drive collision-free and you will find a way.
Enjoy your family and the day and remember - drive like your life depends on it...because it does.
Sincerely,
Patrick Barrett
Patrick L. Barrett is a nationally known expert in training for collision-free driving. Pat owns Driver Ed in a Box LLC, a company with a mission to provide families with the knowledge and tools necessary to build the habits of safe, collision-free driving through their parent taught drivers education course.
For more information on Patrick Barrett or Driver Ed in a Box LLC please visit: http://drivecollisionfree.com/
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